Acquitted | |
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Directed by | Paul Powell [1] |
Written by |
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Based on | "Acquitted" [1] [3] [4] by Mary Roberts Rinehart |
Starring | |
Cinematography | John Leezer [6] |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Triangle Film Corporation |
Release date |
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Running time | 5 reels |
Country | United States |
Language | Silent (English intertitles) |
Acquitted is a 1916 American silent mystery film [2] produced by the Fine Arts Film Company and distributed by Triangle Film Corporation. Paul Powell directed a screenplay by Roy Somerville based on a 1907 short story by Mary Roberts Rinehart. [1] [3] Tod Browning served as an uncredited writer.[ citation needed ]
This film marks the first starring role of Wilfred Lucas, [7] and may mark Bessie Love's film debut. The film is presumed lost, possibly due to the 1965 MGM vault fire. [8] [9]
The police accuse innocent bookkeeper John Carter (Lucas) of having murdered a cashier. A reporter, who is in love with Carter's daughter (Love), proves that Carter is innocent. After a time, Carter's daughter convinces his former employer to hire him back. [2] [10] [11]
Bessie Love wore some of her own clothing as her wardrobe in the film. [12]
The film was heavily censored in Ohio, with scenes of violence and drug sales and use removed before distribution. [13]
The film was well-reviewed. [14] [15] Wilfred Lucas received positive reviews for his performance in the lead role, as did Powell's direction. [14] [16] [17] Bessie Love was positively likened to her contemporaries Mary Pickford and Mae Marsh. [18]